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FHA loans in North Carolina

Quick answer

FHA loans in North Carolina require 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score; on a $259,400 home that's about $9,079. County FHA limits start at $541,287 for one-unit homes in lower-cost areas.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

FHA loan snapshot for North Carolina

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment3.5%
Minimum credit score580
Typical NC home value$259,400
3.5% down on typical home$9,079
20% down on typical home$51,880
Avg. effective property tax0.70%/yr (~$151/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$80,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which North Carolina programs pair with FHA loans?

  • NC Home Advantage Mortgage: A first mortgage with down payment assistance for first-time and repeat buyers.
  • NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment: Deferred, forgivable assistance for first-time buyers and military veterans.

Details and current limits: North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA).

Who is an FHA loan best for?

FHA is designed for buyers with modest savings or credit that's still being built. Because the government insures the lender against loss, lenders can approve borrowers they might otherwise decline.

  • Credit scores between 580 and 680.
  • Debt-to-income ratios up to about 50% with compensating factors.
  • Buyers using gift funds for the entire down payment.
  • Buyers who had a bankruptcy 2+ years ago or foreclosure 3+ years ago.

How much does FHA mortgage insurance cost?

The upfront premium (UFMIP) is 1.75% of the base loan amount and is usually rolled into the loan. The annual premium for most 30-year loans is 0.55% of the balance, paid monthly. With less than 10% down, annual MIP lasts for the life of the loan; with 10% or more, it ends after 11 years. Many owners later refinance into a conventional loan to drop MIP.

FHA loans in North Carolina cities

FHA in CharlotteFHA in RaleighFHA in GreensboroFHA in DurhamFHA in Winston-SalemFHA in FayettevilleFHA in CaryFHA in WilmingtonFHA in High PointFHA in ConcordFHA in AshevilleFHA in GreenvilleFHA in GastoniaFHA in JacksonvilleFHA in ApexFHA in HuntersvilleFHA in Chapel HillFHA in BurlingtonFHA in KannapolisFHA in Rocky MountFHA in MooresvilleFHA in Wake ForestFHA in WilsonFHA in HickoryFHA in Holly SpringsFHA in Indian TrailFHA in Fuquay-VarinaFHA in SalisburyFHA in MonroeFHA in GoldsboroFHA in GarnerFHA in CorneliusFHA in New BernFHA in SanfordFHA in MorrisvilleFHA in MatthewsFHA in StatesvilleFHA in ClaytonFHA in KernersvilleFHA in AsheboroFHA in ThomasvilleFHA in Mint HillFHA in LelandFHA in ShelbyFHA in ClemmonsFHA in WaxhawFHA in CarrboroFHA in LexingtonFHA in KinstonFHA in BooneFHA in KnightdaleFHA in LumbertonFHA in HarrisburgFHA in MebaneFHA in Elizabeth CityFHA in LenoirFHA in PinehurstFHA in Mount HollyFHA in Hope MillsFHA in Morganton

Frequently asked questions

Yes. FHA loans are available statewide in North Carolina through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

Answer a few questions on Purchase Mortgage Loan and we'll match you with lenders and loan officers in our network who serve North Carolina.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.